Update on Torbay Child Abuse Investigation

Police say they have had a good response to media appeals for people to come forward.

A spokesman said: “Many calls have been received with information which is proving helpful to the enquiry.

“As part of these phone calls as well as direct contact at police stations, information has been received which may lead to further victims being identified.

“Specially-trained officers and social workers continue to interview a number of victims.”

Det Insp Simon Snell who is leading the enquiry said:

“As the enquiry gathers pace, we are seeing our list of victims grow. This is to be expected in a case of this nature.

“We are still speaking with victims today and this is likely to last throughout the weekend and in to next week.

“I would like to re-emphasise that this enquiry is not about child abductions and this is not a case of children being taken off the streets. We believe the victims were known to the suspects in some capacity.

“We would encourage anyone who has not spoken to us already to please come forward with the assurance that any information they provide will be taken seriously.”

Anyone with information regarding child exploitation in Torbay is asked to please call 08452 777444 and quote Operation Mansfield’.